Expandable step-up folder



Dec. 10, 1963 E. SCHLER 3,113,573

EXPANDABLE STEP-UP FOLDER Filed Oct. 2, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 PERSONALINCOME TAX ALLOWABLE oeuucnous CATALOGUE!) 4.0

CONTRIBUTIONS INVENTOR. ELI SCHLER A TTORNEY Dec. 10, 1963 E. SCHLEREXPANDABLE STEP-UP FOLDER 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 2, 1961 R mE ML EH W. N

T l m L F Dec. 10, 1963 E. SCHLER ,11 ,573

EXPANDABLE STEP-UP FOLDER Filed Oct. 2, 1961 5 Sfieets-Sheet 3EXEMPTIONS mommauhous BEAZT EQMD INTEREST TAXES MEDICAL AND DENTALEXPENSES OTHER DEDUCTIOHS CHILD CAREJASUALTY oss,E'rc.

AUTOMOBILE OR OTHER TRANSPORTATION EXPENSES IN VEN TOR.

EVLIH SCHLER 9.2611 2. ATTORNEY Dec. 10, 1963 E. SCHLER 3, 73

EXPANDABLE STEP-UP FOLDER Filed Oct. 2, 1961 -5 Sheets-Sheet 5 sz 5 TCHARGE ACCOUNT FOLDER n I "ml":

2| a EARSR g5 EUCK anon: MAnsu fiGE-L 2o /z Boa ENS RICHARDS I8 MAcY's70 /lo n" will INDIVIQUAL I NSURANCE POLICY FOLDER 72 llfnu "him \IW"LOSS OF WAGES A I0 1 HOSPITILIZATION ACCIDENT-AUTO HsAu-H LIFE 74- v"mill" I INVENTOR. ELI SCHLER 35' BY 0T ATTORNE Y United States Patent3,113,573 I EXPANDABLE STEP-UP FOLDER Eh Eichier, 1325 13th Terrace,Miami Beach, Fla. Filed Get. 2, 1961, Ser. No. 142,396 1 Qlaim. Cl.129-15) f 1This invention concerns a novel expanding file or port-According to the invention there is provided a file or portfolio for usein organizing bills, vouchers, receipts, insurance polices and the like,to facilitate the preparation of federal personal income tax returns, tokeep charge accounts with dapartrnent stores in orderly fashion, and tofile insurance polices and maintain insurance data in exposed condition.The invention provides a plurality of envelopes or pockets hingedtogether only at open top edges thereof so that the envelopes areindependently expansible. The folder may be formed from a single blanksheet of relatively stiff paper. The envelopes are all of the samelength and width but arranged in a step-like fashion to expose the topedges of the successive folders or cards where filling data andsupplementary tax deduction information, charge account information andinsurance data may be inserted in the en velopes. The top edges of thecards will be exposed at the rear top edges of the several envelopes.The assembled file has a flap closure on the inside of which is astepped booklet providing tax deduction information.

It is a principal object of the invention to provide a file having amultiplicity of envelopes arranged in a stepped array, the envelopesbeing independently expansible and attached to each other only at uppercommon folded edges thereof.

Another object is to provide a file especially adapted for classifyingand organizing tax deductible items for use in preparation of a personalincome tax return.

A further object is to provide a file of the character described,wherein the several envelopes carry indicia corresponding to taxdeduction classifications appearing on page 2 of the standard FederalIncome Tax Return 1040.

A further object is to provide an expansible file of the characterdescribed, further including a booklet on a cover fiap of the fileproviding tax deduction information.

Still another object according to another application of the inventionis to provide a folder especially adapted for filing data in relation todepartment store charge ac counts.

Yet another object according to a further application of the inventionis to provide a folder especially adapted for filing data in relation toinsurance polices.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects andadvantages thereof, reference will be had to the following descriptionand accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which thevarious novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the file embodying the invention,in a closed contracted condition.

FIG. 2 is an endwise elevational View of the file.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the file in open, expandedcondition.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view on an enlarged scale taken on line 44 of FIG.3.

3,113,573 Patented Dec. 10, 1963 F116. 5 is a cross-sectional view takenon line 55 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a plurality of tax deduction classificationcards which may be employed in the file.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the bottom ofthe file or portfolio.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the blank from which the file or portfoliois formed, the blank being partly shaped and the tying string beingshown attached, parts being broken away.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view of a portion of the bottom of amodified form of file or portfolio.

FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line iii-ll? of FIG.9.

FIG. ll is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing the invention applied to afolder for filing data in relation to departrnent store charge accounts.

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing the invention applied to afolder for filing data in relation to insurance polices.

The primary purpose of the present invention is to provide the user withmeans for classifying and storing bills, vouchers, recipts, cancelledchecks, and other evidence of expenditures, expenses, and other taxdeductible items. For accomplishing this purpose there is provided afile or portfolio 1th shown in FIGS. 1-5. The file includes a pluralityof rectangular connected envelopes 11- 16 each about four and one-halfinches wide in vertical depth and about eleven inches in horizontallength. Each envelope has folded side gussets 18, 29 which permit theenvelope to expand internally to about one and one-half inches in widthbetween the front side 19 and rear side 21. The envelopes are integrallyjoined only at adjoining top edges 23 where the rear side 21 of each ofenvelopes 1145 is integrally joined to the front side 19 of each ofenvelopes 124d.

The envelopes have side gussets 18, and bottom gussets 17 all folded inhalf along vertical lines 25 and horizontal lines 27 to facilitateexpanding and contracting the envelopes. The side gussets have portions18 and 29 which extend forwardly and overlay front portions 18 and Zlland are secured thereto by suitable adhesive. The bottom gussets 17 haveend flaps 17 that overlap portions 18 29 and underlap portions 18 20 Thefile has a rectangular cover flap 23 which is an extension of the rearwall of the rear pocket 16. It will be noted, as best shown in FIGS. 2,3 and 4, that the gusset sides are cut at their top edges 30 at an angleof approximately so that the envelopes assume a stepped formation risingupwardly from the front envelope to the rear envelope. This arrangementexposes the top front margins of the rear sides 21. These margins may beprinted or marked with titles of allowable tax deductions such asCONTRIBUTIONS, INTEREST, MEDI- CAL AND DENTAL EXPENSES, etc.Alternatively, there may be provided insert cards 32 such as shown inFIG. 6.

Each of the cards is a rectangular stiff paper member with a particularclassification of tax deduction 33 inscribed at its upper front marginwhere it will be exposed and readily visible when the cover flap 28 ofthe file is ta envelopes 1346 will suffice, to form a four-envelopefile. Envelopes 11 and 12 will be omitted. These four basic envelopes13-16 are classified respectively: EXEMP- TIONS CONTRIBUTIONS; INTERESTTAXES; MEDICAL AND DENTAL EXPENSES; OTHER DE- DUCTIONS-whild care,casualty losses, etc.

If the file is intended for use by salesmen and others having automobileand transportation expenses, the fifth envelope 12 is provided to form afive-envelope file. The fifth envelope is classified: AUTOMOBILE OROTHER TRANSPORTATION EXPENSES. Card 32 employed for this purpose in thefifth envelope 12 is shown in FIG. 6.

If the file is intended for a person owning income property, then theassembly of six envelopes shown in FIG. 3 is employed. Cards 32 and 32shown in H6. 3A for envelopes 12 and 11, respectively, are classifiedrespectively: INCOME PROPERTY-REPAIRS; lN- COME PROPERTYEXPENSES.

On the inside of the cover 28, preferably in the upper left corner asshown in FIG. 3, there is a booklet 49 formed of a plurality of leaves42-48 of successively shorter width, secured by staples 49 to the cover.

Each of leaves 434-8 below fiyleaf d2 has on its lower margin a title 31of a class of allowable tax deductions corresponding to the title 33inscribed on a card 32 in one of the envelopes 1116. The several leavesmay carry detailed lists of allowable deductions or they may bepartially blank so that the taxpayer can write in those particularallowable deductions applicable to him. A string 50 is secured to thecover by a staple 52 for tying the file closed. The string is preferablyrubberized and approximately six inches long to effectively tie the fileor folder as it grows larger. A tapered weight 53 is preferably anchoredon the free end of the string.

A particular advantageous feature of the present invention is theability of the file to stand upright in open position to expose all theupper marginal edges of the file envelopes. This is made possible bytheir pendent arrangement in which the entire body of each envelope isfree from the adjacent envelope except at the flexible upper foldededges 23. It will be noted that the entire file can be formed from asingle, generally rectangular blank or stiff paper or paste-board, asshown in FIG. 9,

cut to form the overlapping gusset portions 18 13 and 26*, 26*. Thisstructure makes it possible to assemble the file by known types of paperfolding and pasting machinery at high speed and at low cost. The booklet40 and string i can be attached by automatic stapling machinery to thecover.

The invention makes it possible for a taxpayer preparing a personal taxreturn to file all his bills, receipts, checks, and other evidences ofexpenses and expenditures in the appropriate envelopes. Then when he ispreparing his personal tax return, he will extract from the envelopesthe contents corresponding to particular allowable tax deductionspermitted on the standard Federal Income Tax Return 1040'. Thearrangement of the booklet 40 and cards 32 corresponds to thearrangement of the Allowable Deduction portion on page 2 of the Federalincome Tax Return 1040. The invention facilitates preparing personalFederal income tax returns. It insures that the taxpayer will notoverlook any deductions allowable to him since the cards 32 and booklet49 all provide him with the necessary information ready at hand whilethe tax return is being prepared.

The outside of the file can be marked with the name of the taxpayer andthe applicable year, as indicated at 54 and 55 in FIG. 1.

In the modified form of file or portfolio it?" shown in FIGS. 9 and thebottoms of the envelopes are provided with means for yieldingly holdingthem in close juxtaposition. For this purpose, the rear sides 21' of theenvelopes each has a stud 56 fastened thereto and extending laterallythereof. Each stud 'has a shank 58 and a head The front side 19' of theadjacent envelope is formed with a hole 62 and the front portion 18 ofthe gusset 17' is formed with a cut-out portion or tab 64 having a hole66 in line with the hole 62. The head 60 of the stud is adapted to bepressed through the aligned holes 62 and as and interlock with the edgeof the hole 66 thereby yieldingly holding the adjacent envelopes inclose relationship and preventing spreading thereof.

in FIG. 11, the improved folder or portfolio 10 is shown in use forclassifying and filing data in relation to charge accounts maintained instores, for instance department stores. In using the folder for thispurpose, the top front margins of the rear sides 21 are printed ormarked with the names of the stores wherein a charge account ismaintained, such as Sears Roebuck and the like indicated at 7t).Alternately, there may be provided insert cards such as the cards 32shown in FIG. 6 containing data in relation to each individual chargeaccount, the cards being removably mounted in the envelopes.

The improved folder or portfolio 10 is shown marked and printedespecially for use in filing and keeping records and data concerningindividual insurance policies in FIG. 12. When the folder is so used,the inside of the cover fiap 28 may have printed thereon the titleIndividual Insurance Policy Folder as indicated at 72.

The top front margins of the rear sides 2-1 are printed or marked withtitles concerning insurance policies and allied information such as Lossof Wages," Liability, Hospitalization, Accident-Auto, Health, Life, forexample, as indicated at 74.

Alternateiy, a card or cards such as the leaves 43-48 may be mounted onthe inside of the cover flap 28, which cards may contain all necessarydata relative to individual insurance policies.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of myinvention, it is to be understood that i do not limit myself to theprecise constructions herein disclosed and that various changes andmodifications may be made within the scope of the invention as definedin the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire tosecure by United States Letters Patcut is:

A portfolio especially adapted for organizing items of classifiabledata, comprising a file having a plurality of expansible, rectangularenvelopes each having a front side, a rear side higher than the frontside, with the top of the rear side of each envelope secured to the topof the front side of the adjacent envelope, gussets at ends and bottomof the sides securing the same together and defining therewith an opentop compartment, said end gussets having upper edges cut angularly tothe top of the front and rear sides to maintain the several envelopes insuccessively higher elevations from front to rear of the file with upperfront marginal edges of the rear sides of the envelopes exposed to thefront of the file, a cover flap integral with the rear side of the rearenvelope and bendable over the open tops of the envelopes to close thefile, a booklet, comprised of a plurality of rectangular leaves ofprogressively decreasing length, secured to the inner side of the coverflap, with the longest leaf next to the flap, one edge of all of saidleaves being aligned and secured together adjacent the free edge of theflap, whereby the free marginal edges of the leaves decreaseprogressively in length and the consequent thickness of the bookletincreases progressively toward the free edge of the cover flap, theincrease in thickness being opposite to the increase in elevation ofsaid envelopes, the marginal edge of each leaf being inscribed withindicia relative to the title of a class of data, indicia explanatory ofeach title on the appropriate leaf, and a rectangular card fitted ineach envelope the rear side thereof and held by the bottom and sidegussets in juxtaposition with the rear side References Cited in the fileof this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Hall Mar. 19, 1889 Vernon July 29,1890 6 Pedricl; Oct. 24, 1899 Altmyer Aug. 27, 1907 Safely Aug. 7, 1909Shedd Dec. 20, 1910 Congdon July 13, 1920 Parsons 3 an. 24, 1922 HubbardSept. 1, 1925 Doughty May 18, 1926 Winokar Nov. 8, 1938 Hochtheil Mar.21, 1939 Bonnaire June 20, 1944 Histed Mar. 25, 1947 Schwinger Aug. 22,1950

